Disability Insurance for Physicians & Medical Professionals

What is own-occupation disability insurance?

Own-occupation coverage pays a benefit if you can no longer perform the material duties of your specific specialty — even if you're technically capable of doing other work. For a surgeon who develops a hand tremor, or an anesthesiologist who can no longer stand for long procedures, this distinction is everything.

Many employer-sponsored group plans instead use an "any occupation" definition after a set period, meaning benefits can stop if you're deemed able to work in any job — not just medicine.

Why group LTD usually isn't enough

Benefits are often capped well below your actual income, especially for higher-earning specialties.
Coverage typically ends when you leave your employer — it doesn't follow you to a new practice.
Definitions can shift from "own occupation" to "any occupation" after 24 months.
Benefits are usually taxable if your employer paid the premiums.
There's no guarantee you can get individual coverage later if your health changes first.

What individual disability insurance adds

True own-occupation definitions tailored to your specialty, portable between jobs.
Future purchase options that let you increase coverage as your income grows, without new medical underwriting.
Residual/partial benefits if you can work but at reduced capacity or income.
Tax-free benefits when you pay premiums with after-tax dollars.
Cost of living adjustments to keep pace with inflation during a long-term claim.

Common mistakes we see

Assuming employer group LTD is "enough" without ever reading the definition of disability.
Waiting until after fellowship or a health event to shop for individual coverage, when pricing and options are already worse.
Buying a policy from a single carrier without comparing definitions, riders, and specialty-specific language.
Under-insuring based on current resident/fellow income instead of planning for attending-level earnings.

Who this matters most for

Residents & Fellows

Lock in insurability and lower rates before health or hobbies (like flying or scuba) complicate underwriting.

Attendings

Make sure coverage has kept pace with your actual income and specialty risk.

Surgeons & Proceduralists

Specialty-specific definitions matter most when fine motor skills or physical stamina are core to your work.

Private Practice Owners

No employer group plan means individual coverage is often your only real protection.

FAQ

Disability insurance questions we hear most

If your consultation is free, how are you compensated?+

Like most independent brokers, we're compensated by the carrier once a policy is issued — not by a fee from you. That means your consultation, coverage review, and policy comparison cost nothing out of pocket, regardless of whether you move forward.

How much disability coverage do I actually need?+

A common starting point is 60–70% of your current gross income, but the right number depends on your debt, savings, group benefits already in place, and future income trajectory. We'll walk through the math with you directly.

Is individual disability insurance expensive?+

Cost depends on age, health, specialty, benefit amount, and riders selected. Buying earlier in your career — during residency or shortly after — typically locks in the lowest rates and best insurability.

Can I keep my policy if I switch employers or practices?+

Yes — individual disability policies are owned by you, not your employer, so coverage moves with you regardless of where you practice.

What if I already have a health condition?+

You may still qualify for coverage, sometimes with exclusions or rate adjustments depending on the condition. Because underwriting varies by carrier, we compare multiple companies to find the best available option.

Do I need this if I already have group LTD through my employer?+

Often yes. Group LTD is a good starting layer but usually falls short on benefit amount, definition of disability, and portability. Individual coverage is typically used to supplement, not replace, group benefits.